One thing that makes the university working atmosphere enjoyable to me is ASUU because of its stand on the principle of freedom, fairness and social responsibility. Prior to joining the Union and the special privilege of serving as a Secretary to one of its highly vibrant branches (UDUS Branch), I had given up hope for true nationalism among any group of Nigerians. ASUU succeeded in changing this trend of thought in me in many ways than one. Two weeks since the restoration of UDUS bridge today and the attendant relief the development brought to staff and students, I remember with joy the many roles of my Union in this achievement. The text of a special press conference that ASUU-UDUS Branch conducted on the bridge and related matters is one of such roles and is presented below for the records:
BEING TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES, USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY, SOKOTO, BRANCH ON THURSDAY, 7TH OCTOBER, 2010 AT CONGREGATION HALL, CITY CAMPUS AT 10: 00AM
Gentlemen of the press,
As you are aware, flood disaster affected Sokoto and other neighbouring States in the second week of September, 2010. Communities and institutions were ravaged by the incident. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, was one of the affected institutions, where the roads linking the University with the metropolis were washed away on the 9th of September, 2010. The situation led to the indefinite closure of the University.
As a union, we observe with interest, the efforts made by the stakeholders as a response to the situation of our University in general and its students in particular. The speeches made by dignitaries, both Federal and State, raised a lot of the Union’s hope on the plight of our students whose academic activities have been disrupted by the disaster.
In specific terms, the disaster has resulted in the suspension of the University academic calendar. The situation, we believe, has serious impact on the educational development of our students. Similarly, our colleagues residing at the Permanent Site are up to this day living as refugees in their own country. This has truncated research activities in the institution. We also recognize the state of displacement caused to the neighbouring communities by the flood.
We note, almost one month since the incident, the University has remained closed. This we believe is not in the best interest of our students, their parents and the nation in general. It is also an indicator of the obvious neglect to education by Government which has been the position of our Union over the years. Being responsible parents, we feel that the current state of affairs should not be allowed to continue.
The Union therefore calls on Government to expedite action to ensure immediate resumption of academic activities in the University. We also wish to remind Government on the pledges made and the need to back its words with action, as there should be responsibility in governance.
Thank you.
God bless Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto,
God bless Academic Staff Union of Universities, and
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. L. Abubakar Mikailu Ibrahim
Branch Chairperson Branch Secretary
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